Escape the City Rush: Why Travelers are Choosing Small-Town Getaways in Taos, Monterey, and Colorado in 2026!

Published on October 23, 2025

The shift toward “townsizing” is emerging as a defining trend for travelers in 2026, with more people swapping the fast-paced bustle of big cities for the slow-paced magic of small-town destinations. The allure of small towns lies in their ability to offer a slower, more fulfilling pace of life without compromising on quality experiences. From design-driven inns to chef-led bistros and walkable main streets, small towns provide a unique charm that larger cities simply can’t replicate. This growing preference for small-town getaways is being embraced across generations, as travelers seek slower itineraries, local flavor, and authentic connections.

According to Priceline’s 2025 Travel Trends Report, Gen Z is 89% more likely to seek out destinations that embody the peaceful, cinematic “Nancy Meyers lifestyle”—think coastal kitchens, morning markets, and understated elegance. Meanwhile, older generations are drawn to the nostalgia and ease found in small towns. From the central coastline of California to the high desert of New Mexico and the charming alpine towns of Colorado, these small-town escapes offer travelers the chance to leave behind city stress for a more serene, soul-nourishing experience.

Townsizing in Taos: A Retreat to New Mexico’s Artistic Heart

Taos, New Mexico, with its iconic adobe architecture and rich cultural heritage, is a quintessential small-town escape. Known for its vibrant art scene and authentic charm, Taos offers the perfect environment for travelers who wish to experience both creativity and tranquility. Hotel Willa, a standout property in this picturesque town, caters to travelers looking to immerse themselves in local culture and artistic expression.

With its thoughtfully designed guest rooms, an artist-in-residency program, and an onsite gallery, Hotel Willa offers a serene retreat where guests can slow down and reconnect with their surroundings. The growing trend of townsizing has made Taos even more appealing, especially for younger travelers seeking genuine and immersive travel experiences. Santiago LaRoche, General Manager of Hotel Willa, mentioned that Taos was seen as a “diamond in the rough” upon their first visit, highlighting that authenticity and artistry were woven into daily life, making it the perfect spot for travelers to experience exactly what was being sought in the era of townsizing.

It was also shared that, in an era when travelers are increasingly choosing small towns, Taos provides exactly the type of qualities that are being sought: a slower pace, a deeper connection to culture, and a unique small-town magic that larger destinations cannot replicate.

Travelers can now easily access Taos with new direct routes from the JSX public charter service. This offers convenient, semi-private flights from major cities in Texas and California, providing a smooth, crowd-free travel experience to this unique small town.

Seaside Townsizing: A Coastal Escape in Monterey’s Hidden Dunes

Monterey, California, long recognized for its natural beauty, has seen a rise in visitors seeking a quieter, more intimate coastal retreat. Just ten miles north, Marina, California, provides an ideal seaside townsizing destination, offering a peaceful alternative to the busier, more tourist-heavy areas of Monterey.

The Sanctuary Beach Resort in Marina offers a perfect blend of luxury and relaxation, nestled between the scenic Marina Dunes Preserve and the rolling hills of Carmel. With its 60-room property, guests can enjoy beachfront yoga, spa rituals, and the fresh ocean air, all while embracing the serene coastal lifestyle. The resort’s Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette further enhances the experience, offering guests a chance to enjoy fresh, local cuisine with a nostalgic, homey vibe that complements the small-town ambiance. For Boomers and other travelers seeking restorative retreats, Sanctuary Beach Resort’s wellness offerings, including oceanfront treatments and wellness rituals, are an ideal fit.

Sylvain Briens, General Manager of The Sanctuary Beach Resort, explained that guests came not with the intention of doing more, but to feel more. Monterey’s coastal small-town living offers a rejuvenating experience that contrasts with the fast-paced itineraries of larger cities.

Rocky Mountain Townsizing: A Scenic Retreat Between Boulder and Denver

Nestled in the heart of Colorado, Broomfield serves as a perfect example of the growing trend of rocky mountain townsizing. The Omni Interlocken Hotel, located between the bustling cities of Denver and Boulder, offers a peaceful mountain getaway that blends small-town ease with big-sky adventure. The resort, set on 300 acres of scenic land, boasts panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and provides a wide range of nature-inspired accommodations and wellness offerings, making it an ideal spot for townsizing travelers.

Following a recent renovation, the resort offers guests a chance to unwind with wellness programming at the Mokara Spa, featuring sound baths and nutrition classes. Additionally, guests can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and sightseeing at Rocky Mountain National Park. For those looking for a getaway that balances outdoor adventure with relaxation, Omni Interlocken offers the perfect small-town escape.

Richard Maxfield, General Manager at Omni Interlocken, shared that it was increasingly recognized that fulfillmentdidn’t always involve going farther but rather going slower. Positioned between the larger hubs of Denver and Boulder, the hotel provides an ideal base for guests to reconnect with nature and immerse themselves in Colorado’s unparalleled natural beauty.

Embracing the Trend of Slower, More Meaningful Travel

As the trend of townsizing continues to grow, it is evident that travelers are increasingly valuing quality over quantity in their journeys. Small-town escapes offer a chance to rediscover the simplicity and authenticity that many feel are missing in the rush of modern life. Whether it’s exploring Taos’ rich artistic heritage, relaxing on the coast of Monterey, or immersing oneself in the beauty of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, these destinations provide something that big cities often cannot: a chance to slow down, breathe, and truly connect with the destination.

This shift towards slower itineraries, local flavor, and authentic, cozy getaways reflects a broader cultural change. Travelers are increasingly turning to small towns not just for their charm but for their ability to offer a deeper, more fulfilling connection to both the culture and the environment around them. The trend of townsizing looks set to continue in 2026, as more and more people choose the peaceful simplicity of small towns over the fast-paced chaos of urban life.